Chhath Parva in Nepal: A Celebration of Sun, Faith, and Purity

Chhath Parva, also known as Chhath Puja, is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals celebrated in the Terai region of Nepal and parts of India. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the Goddess of Dawn), this festival honors the life-giving energy of the sun and expresses gratitude for sustaining life on Earth.

When and Where It’s Celebrated

Chhath Parva usually falls six days after Tihar (Deepawali), during the month of Kartik (October–November). The festival is celebrated widely across the Terai belt of Nepal, particularly in districts like Janakpur, Birgunj, Saptari, Siraha, Mahottari, and Sunsari. In recent years, celebrations have also become popular in Kathmandu and other cities, as communities come together to observe the rituals.

The Four Days of Chhath Parva

Chhath Parva spans four days of strict rituals, fasting, and devotion, all centered on purity and connection with nature.

Nahay Khay (Day 1) – Devotees take a holy bath in rivers or ponds and prepare a pure meal, marking the start of the ritual fast.
Kharna (Day 2) – A day of fasting that ends in the evening with a simple meal of rice pudding (kheer), fruits, and roti, shared with family.
Sandhya Arghya (Day 3) – Devotees offer Arghya (prayers and offerings) to the setting sun while standing in rivers or ponds, singing devotional songs and lighting diyas.
Bihaniya Arghya (Day 4) – The festival concludes with morning prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony.

Spiritual Significance

Chhath is more than just a ritual — it’s a celebration of nature, discipline, and faith. Worshippers observe strict purity, abstaining from food and water for long hours, and maintaining spiritual and physical cleanliness. The offering to the sun symbolizes the recognition of the sun’s role in sustaining life and ensuring balance in the environment.

Cultural Essence

During Chhath, ghats (riverbanks) come alive with colorful decorations, folk songs, and traditional dances. Families and neighbors unite to prepare Thekuwa, fruits, and sugarcane as offerings. The sight of hundreds of devotees standing in rivers with diyas in hand, as the sun sets or rises, creates a mesmerizing spiritual ambiance — one that reflects harmony between humans and nature.

Chhath Parva Beyond Borders

While rooted in the Terai, Chhath has now become a pan-Nepalese festival, celebrated with equal devotion in major cities and by the Nepali diaspora abroad. It is an example of Nepal’s beautiful diversity and unity through faith and culture.

Conclusion

Chhath Parva beautifully encapsulates the Nepali spirit — faith, gratitude, and togetherness. As devotees bow to the rising and setting sun, they also bow to life itself, honoring its rhythm, energy, and eternal light.
Whether you witness it along the banks of the Koshi River or in the heart of Kathmandu, Chhath Parva offers an unforgettable glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.